Taking advantage of on-board technology features can ensure groundworks on housebuilding sites are completed efficiently and by cutting emissions and improving on-site safety. We caught up with resident operator trainer expert at Finning UK & Ireland, Alex Clarke, who gives us the low down on the latest technology features that are now available on selected Cat mini-excavators.
The new features, Indicate, EFence, Swing Assist and Bucket Assist, come as an optional extra on Cat mini excavators and are currently available on the six to ten tonne range of excavators. The in-built technology package has been specifically developed to enhance the skills of the operator and improve machine performance, increase productivity and improve site safety.
Indicate
This is an entry-level grading system that enables operators to select a target depth and slope from a benchmark position via the in-cab guidance system, with visual and audio feedback. Particularly suitable for footings, septic systems and digging out foundations.
Using Indicate on groundworks improves accuracy, reduces operator fatigue (from not over cutting, over swinging and reworking) and is much safer for those on site, as it significantly reduces the need for on-the-ground grade checking.
E-fence
E-fence acts as a motion control function, which removes a lot of risk from typical site tasks, especially when working near electrical utilities. Operators can simply pre-set a maximum depth, height, wall or swing boundary and the system automatically restricts the machine from going beyond the set fields.
Swing Assist
This feature automatically stops the machine swing at set points. Operators can swing out and activate the stopping point on the control panel. As the swing approaches the limit, the machine will automatically decelerate so it doesn’t go past its set point. This feature really comes into its own for those highly repetitive tasks, and drastically improves operator speed and accuracy, which in turn improves efficiency and reduces fuel usage.
Bucket Assist
When enabled, Bucket Assist will maintain the current bucket angle, relative to true level. This helps keep the cut accurate when grading, and also helps reduce operator fatigue, while maintaining accuracy during sloping, levelling and trenching.
Used in combination, these efficiency friendly features can significantly reduce the day-to-day operating costs of a machine and impact the total cost of ownership. But training is really the key factor. Having a good understanding of what the features are and how to use the controls effectively to get the most out of a machine is so important, helping operators to complete tasks more quickly and effectively.
As standard Finning provides a full overview of the built-in technology features when handing over new equipment to customers. We’ve also developed a series of short instruction videos that are on YouTube to show step-by-step how the features work and how operators can get the most out of them.
Check them out here
